Visitor Numbers in the North
January 22, 2012
Each year more than 2,000,000 visitors come to the northern-most 5 territories of North America. These visitors account for about $3 billion in economic activity.
- Alaska is the most populous jurisdiction. It has the highest quality of information about its visitor numbers. About 1/2 the visitors come by air, but cruise ship visits are crucial.
Direct visitor industry spending in Alaska was approximately $2.1 billion in 2008-09, suggesting a per visitor expenditure of over $1,100.
- Yukon had 311,542 visitors in 2010 with 80% coming by air.
- NWT and Nunavut visitor numbers were comparatively small. Interestingly, Air Greenland will begin flying direct flights from Nuuk to Iqaluit this summer
- Greenland’s statistics are estimates only.
Commentary
Tourism in the north is a seasonal activity. In Alaska and Yukon it is an important generator of economic activity to the economy.
Sources
- a) http://www.dced.state.ak.us/ded/dev/pub/Visitor_Industry_Impacts_3_30.pdf
- b) http://www.dced.state.ak.us/ded/dev/toubus/pub/AVSP_VI_Fall_Winter_2010_2011_REVISED.pdf
- c) http://www.tc.gov.yk.ca/pdf/Situation_Analysis_2011-12.pdf
- d) http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/publications/2011/TourismParks/2011TourismResearchUpdateSM2011-11-04.pdf
- e) http://www.nnsl.com/business/pdfs/OPPS/oppsB_tourism.pdf
- f)http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674greenlanders_nunavummiut_pleased_with_new_air_link/
- g) http://www.stat.gl/dialog/main.asp?lang=en&version=2010&link=TR&subthemecode=o2&colcode=o